Doolin Coast Guard Unit was tasked at 22.40 by MRCC , Valentia following a reported sighting of three red flares , by a member of the public. It was initially thought that the flares were in the White Strand area, some Coast Guard members went to the location, while others went to Spanish Point and Quilty. The boats were taken by road. The source of the flare sighting was soon established as celebrations following a football match and the Coast Guard team was stood down.